Wrist-worn electronic device and methods therefor

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of electronic wristwatches are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/285,029, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/326,292, filed on Jul. 8, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/187,310, filed on Jul. 20,2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/438,105, filed Jan. 31, 2011, entitled “WRIST-WORN ELECTRONIC DEVICEAND METHODS THEREFOR,” the disclosures of each of which are herebyincorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable electronic devices are commonplace today. Some examples ofportable electronic devices include portable digital assistants,portable media players, mobile telephones, and portable game players. Insome cases these portable electronic devices can be carried by a userwith relative ease, placed in a pocket of user's clothing, or clippedonto the user or the user's clothing. Some portable electronic devicesare small enough to be worn by a user. One example of a portableelectronic device is a highly portable media players, such as an iPodNano™. Another example of a portable electronic device is an electronicwatch.

Additionally, accessories have been utilized to provide additionalfunctionality to portable electronic devices. Typically, accessories aresmall electrical products that can attach to a portable electronicdevice, such as through an external electrical connection port orthrough a short-range wireless connection. One example of an accessoryis a wireless headset that can wirelessly connect to the portableelectronic device to provide hands-free usage. Another example of anaccessory is a FM receiver provided as a small electrical product thatcan be attached to a portable electronic device via a cable, which isuseful when the portable electronic device does not already include a FMreceiver. Still another example of an accessory is a wireless datacapture device.

There are, however, continuing needs to make portable electronic devicessmaller and more portable. There is also a continuing need to enhancefunctionalities of portable electronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic wristband according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electronic wristband according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristbandaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristbandaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a personal wireless environment accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristbandaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristbandaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristbandaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method implemented in an electronicwristband wearable on a wrist of a user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to an electronic wristwatch. According to oneembodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electricalcircuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with anelectronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be amobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronicwristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additionalelectrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristbandto augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In anotherembodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with theelectronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.

The invention may be implemented in numerous ways, including, but notlimited to, a system, device, apparatus or method. Exemplary embodimentsof the invention are discussed below.

As an electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, oneembodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a centralportion and at least one band portion. The central portion can have areceptacle area configured to receive a mobile electronic device. Themobile electronic device can include a display and be independentlyuseable apart from the electronic watchband. The least one band portioncan be coupled to central portion and suitable to assist with securingthe electronic wristband to the wrist of the user. The at least one bandportion can also include at least one electrical component providedinternal to the at least one band portion and operatively connected tothe mobile electronic device when provided in the receptacle area.

As an electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, anotherembodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a centralportion and at least one band portion. The central portion can include atouch screen display, control circuitry and a battery. The touch screendisplay can be configured to present visual information to the user andto receive user input from the user. The control circuitry can beconfigured to control operation of the electronic watchband, and thebattery can be configured to provide power to the electronic wristband.The at least one band portion can be coupled to the central portion andsuitable to assist with securing the electronic wristband to the wristof the user. The at least one band portion can include at least oneelectrical component provided internal to the at least one band portionand operatively connected to the control circuitry.

Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method implemented in an electronicwristband wearable on a wrist of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to an electronic wristwatch. According to oneembodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electricalcircuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with anelectronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be amobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronicwristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additionalelectrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristbandto augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In anotherembodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with theelectronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic wristband 100 according toone embodiment. The electronic wristband 100 is suitable to be wornabout a wrist of a user. The electronic wristband 100 can include acenter portion 102, a first band portion 104 and a second band portion106. The first band portion 104 is connected to the center portion 102at a first hinge 108, and the second band portion 106 is connected tothe center portion 102 at a second hinge 110. The opposite ends of thefirst and second band portions 104, 106 can include a clasp or otherattachment mechanism to secure together such ends. As such, the firstand second band portions 104, 106 can be secured about a wrist of theuser. In one embodiment, the center portion 102 can be configured toreceive a mobile electronic device 112 that can be coupled to the centerportion 102 of the electronic wristband 100. In another embodiment, thecenter portion 102 can be configured to provide an integrated electronicdevice 112. The electronic device 112 can include a display 114. In oneimplementation, the display 114 is a touch screen display capable ofreceiving touch inputs from a user. The electronic device typically hasone or more native functions. In one embodiment, the electronic device112 has a native function as a portable media player and thus providesmedia storage and playback.

Additionally, one or both of the first band portion 104 and the secondband portion 106 can include an electrical component. The electricalcomponent can be internal to (e.g., embedded) within the associated bandportion. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first band portion 104 caninclude a first band electrical component 116, and the second bandportion 106 can include a second band electrical component 118. Theelectrical components 116, 118 can be electrically coupled to theelectronic device 112 via wired or wireless means. As example, theelectrical components 116, 118 can includes at least one of anaccelerometer, an antenna, a GPS receiver, a wireless communicationtransceiver, or a haptic device.

Still further, the central portion 102 of the electronic wristband 100can include one or more electrical components. The one or moreelectrical components in the central portion 102 can also be coupled tothe electronic device 112 via wired or wireless means. As examples, theone or more electrical components included in the central portion 102can be one or more of a haptic device, a printed circuit substrate, anaccelerometer, or a battery.

The center portion 102, the first band portion 104 and the second bandportion 106 can be formed of various different materials. For example,the material can include any one or more of rubber, silicone, plastic,mylar, vinyl, etc.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electronic wristband 200 according to oneembodiment. The electronic wristband 200 includes a center portion 202,a first band portion 204 and a second band portion 206. In oneembodiment, the center portion 202 can be configured to receive a mobileelectronic device 208. In such an embodiment, the mobile electronicdevice 208 can be removably secured to the center portion 202 by one ormore of: detents, connectors, recesses, magnets, hook and loopmaterials, latches, etc. In another embodiment, the mobile electronicdevice 208 can be integral with the center portion 202. In either case,the mobile electronic device 208 can include a display 210 for output ofinformation to a user. In one implementation, the display 210 can be atouch-sensitive display that can not only output information to a userbut can also receive inputs from the user. The electronic wristband 200can also include an audio receptacle for receiving an audio jack 212.The audio jack 212 can be associated with a speaker and/or microphone,such as an earphone or headset, for audio output or pickup.

Additionally, one or both of the first band portion 204 and the secondband portion 206 can include an electrical component. The electricalcomponent can be internal to (e.g., embedded within) the associated bandportion. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first band portion 204 caninclude a first band electrical component 214, and the second bandportion 206 can include a second band electrical component 216. Asexample, the electrical components 214, 216 can include at least one ofan accelerometer, an antenna, a GPS receiver, a wireless communicationtransceiver, or a haptic device. The electrical components 214, 216 canbe electrically coupled to the mobile electronic device 208 via wired orwireless means, regardless of whether the mobile electronic device 208is integrated into the electronic wristband 200 or whether the mobileelectronic device 208 is removably secured to the center portion 202 ofthe electronic wristband 200.

Still further, the central portion 202 of the electronic wristband 200can include one or more electrical components (not shown). The one ormore electrical components in the central portion 202 can also becoupled to the electronic device 208 via wired or wireless means. Asexamples, the one or more electrical components included in the centralportion 202 can be one or more of a haptic device, a printed circuitsubstrate, an accelerometer, or a battery.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband 300according to one embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the electronicwristband 300 does not have a mobile electronic device attached. Theelectronic wristband 300 includes a central portion 302, a first bandportion 304, and a second band portion 306. The central band portion 302includes a receptacle area 308. Although the receptacle area 308 isconfigured to receive mobile electronic device, as depicted in FIG. 3A,the electronic wristband 300 does not have a mobile electronic deviceplaced in the receptacle area 308. The central portion 302 can alsoinclude one or more electrical components. For example, as shown in FIG.3A, the central portion 302 can include a printed circuit substrate 310and a haptic device 312. In this embodiment, the printed circuitsubstrate 310 and the haptic device 312 are provided in a bottom surface313 of the central portion 302. Alternatively or additionally, thecentral portion 302 can include an accelerometer and/or a battery asother or alternative electronic components.

The receptacle area 308 can also configured to retain a mobileelectronic device that has been placed within the receptacle area 308.In one embodiment, a connector 314 can be used to at least partiallyretain a mobile electronic device in the receptacle area 308. Theconnector 314 can be shaped as a functional electrical connector to fitwithin a functional connector jack of the mobile electronic device. Theconnector 314 can be an electrical connection, such as a 30-pinconnector, can provide not only provide mechanical retention but alsoelectrical connection with electrical components provided by theelectronic wristband 300.

The first band portion 304 can couple to the central portion 302 via ahinge 316. Similarly, the second band portion 306 can couple to thecentral portion 302 via a hinge 318. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the first and second band portions 304 and 306 can couple tothe central portion 302 without use of any hinges. In any case, thefirst band portion 304 can include one or more electrical components320, and the second band portion 306 can include one or more electricalcomponents 322. The one or more electrical components 320 providedwithin the first band portion 304 can be electrically coupled to otherelectrical components provided elsewhere, such as within (i) the centralportion 302, (ii) a mobile electronic device coupled to the receptaclearea 308, and/or (iii) the second band portion 306. Similarly, the oneor more electrical components 322 provided within the second bandportion 306 can be electrically coupled to other electrical componentsprovided elsewhere, such as within (i) the central portion 302, (ii) amobile electronic device coupled to the receptacle area 308, and/or(iii) within the first band portion 304.

The one or more electrical components 320 in the first band portion 304can include an antenna. Since the first band portion 304 is typicallyformed from a non-metallic material, the antenna can be provided in thefirst band portion 304 with good operational performance. The antennacan be a short-range wireless antenna (e.g., Bluetooth™ antenna), anear-field antenna, or a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. Thefirst band portion 304 can also include a plurality of one or moreantennas.

The one or more electrical components 322 in the second band portion 306can include an accelerometer. Since the second band portion 306 istypically formed from a non-metallic material, the one or moreelectrical components 322 can also include an antenna. In someembodiments, the electronic wristband 300 will include multiple antenna,in which case either or both of the first band portion 304 and thesecond band portion 306 can include one or more antennas. As examples,the one or more antennas can be selected from the group of: ashort-range wireless antenna (e.g., Bluetooth™ antenna), a near-fieldantenna, or a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna.

More generally, the one or more electronic components 320 in the firstband portion 304 and the one or more electronic components 322 in thesecond band portion 306 can vary depending on design parameters appliedto the electronic wristband 300. As examples, the one or more electroniccomponents 320, 322 can be select from the group including: anaccelerometer, an antenna, a GPS receiver, a wireless communicationtransceiver, or a haptic device.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband 300′according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband 300′ is the sameas the electronic wristband 300 shown in FIG. 3A. Namely, the electronicwristband 300′ has a mobile electronic device 340 attached. The mobileelectronic device 340 is removably secured in the receptacle area 308.For example, at least the connector 314 is used to assist with securingthe mobile electronic device 340 in the receptacle area 308. Once themobile electronic device 340 is secured in the receptacle area 308, theelectrical connector 314 (when a functional electrical connector) can beused to enable electrical connection between the mobile electronicdevice 340 and any of the one or more electrical components 310, 312,322 or 322 within the electronic wristband 300′.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a personal wireless environment 400according to one embodiment. The personal wireless environment 400allows a user of multiple electronic devices to make use of anelectronic wristband 402 for certain output information and/or forcertain input. The presence of the electronic wristband 402 in thepersonal wireless environment 400 allows for efficient and convenientuser interaction with one or more other electronic devices. Moreparticularly, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal wireless environment 400can enable the user of the electronic wristband 402 to interact with amobile phone 404, a portable computer 406 or a desktop computer 408. Theinteraction with the electronic wristband 402 can be wired or wireless.However, for ease of use, the electronic wristband 402 can supportwireless interaction with nearby electronic devices, such as one or moreof the mobile phone 404, the portable computer 406 or the desktopcomputer 408. Here, the electronic wrist band 402 can be considered toform or use a piconet established between the electronic wristband 402and one or more of the mobile phone 404, the portable computer 406 orthe desktop computer 408.

The personal wireless environment 400 can be configured to support oneor more information exchanges using an electronic wristband as discussedherein.

One information exchange facilitated by the personal wirelessenvironment 400 is a notification (or alert) that is initiated by oneelectronic device to a nearby electronic wristband (e.g., electronicwristband 402). In one implementation, the electronic wristband 402 canreceive a notification request from another nearby electronic device,such as the mobile phone 404. Typically, a user would be carrying orwearing the electronic wristband 402 and the mobile phone 404. Thenotification request can be received (via wire or wirelessly) at theelectronic wristband 402 and can cause the electronic wristband 402 tonotify the user. In general, the notification request can be considereda push notification from another electronic device to the electronicwristband 402. As one example, the notification request can cause theelectronic wristband 402 to activate haptic device, an audio deviceand/or a display device of the electronic wristband 402 to signal theuser of the notification. Once the user is notified (or altered), theuser can in some cases view additional information pertaining to thenotification via the display device or hear additional informationpertaining to the notification via the audio device (e.g., a speaker).In some cases, the user can also further interact with the electronicwristband 402 to respond to the notification. For example, if thenotification alerts the user of an incoming phone call at the mobilephone 404, through interaction with the electronic wristband 402, theuser can accept or decline the incoming call. Hence, advantageously, theuser can use the electronic wristband 402 as a remote Input/Output (I/O)interface for the mobile phone 404.

Another information exchange facilitated by the personal wirelessenvironment 400 is a notification (or alert) that is initiated by oneelectronic device to a nearby electronic wristband (e.g., electronicwristband 402).

An incoming phone call, a text message, a social network post, or a newsfeed directed to a user's electronic device (e.g., mobile phone) cancause a notification to be provided to a nearby electronic wristband ofthe user. In effect, incoming messages or data to a user's electronicdevice can be pushed (e.g., wirelessly transferred) to the electronicwristband.

Besides information exchange, an electronic wristband can be use toprovide remote user controls to a user. For example, when a portablemedia player (e.g., MP3 player, or mobile device (e.g., smart phone)operating media player application) is playing a media item, theportable media player can be controlled by one or more user controlsmade available by the electronic wristwatch. For example, the electronicwristband can be configured to present media playback controls on atouch screen of the electronic wristband.

Applications operating on a user's electronic device can also initiatean alert to a nearby electronic wristband. For example, the alert couldpertain to calendar alerts, stock alerts, weather alerts, etc. Also,applications can also seek remote user input from the electronicwristband.

Still further, an electronic wristband can also alert is user if itslinked electronic device goes out of range. For example, if theelectronic device is a mobile phone or a mobile computing device, an outof range notification to the user via the electronic wristband can thusnotify the user that their electronic device is out of range. Thisnotification can serve as a warning that they may have forgotten theirelectronic device, that the electronic device may have be improperlytaken, or that simply they are now out of range.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband 500according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband 500 includes acentral portion 502, a first band portion 504, and a second band portion506. The central band portion 502 includes a receptacle area thatremovably retains a mobile electronic device 508. The central portion502 can also include one or more electrical components. For example, asshown in FIG. 5, the central portion 502 can include a printed circuitsubstrate 510 and a haptic device 512. In this embodiment, the printedcircuit substrate 510 and the haptic device 512 are provided in a bottomsurface 513 of the central portion 502. Alternatively or additionally,the central portion 502 can include an accelerometer, a battery and/orvarious other electronic components.

The receptacle area can be configured to retain the mobile electronicdevice 508 that has been placed within the receptacle area. In oneembodiment, a connector 514 can be used to at least partially retain themobile electronic device 508 in the receptacle area. The connector 514can be an electrical connector that fits within a connector jack of themobile electronic device. The connector 514 can be an electricalconnector, such as a 30-pin connector, which can not only providemechanical retention but also electrical connection with one or more ofelectrical components provided by the electronic wristband 500.

The first band portion 504 can couple to the central portion 502 via ahinge 516.

Similarly, the second band portion 506 can couple to the central portion502 via a hinge 518. However, in an alternative embodiment, the firstand second band portions 504 and 506 can couple to the central portion502 without use of any hinges. In any case, the first band portion 504can include a Bluetooth antenna 520 and a near-field antenna 522. TheBluetooth antenna 520 and the near-field antenna 522 can be electricallycoupled to the portable electronic device 508 via the connector 514. Thefirst band portion 504 can also include an audio port 524 for receivingan audio jack plug. The audio port 524 can be electrically coupled tothe portable electronic device 508 via the connector 514. The secondband portion 506 can include an accelerometer 528 and a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) antenna 526. The accelerometer 528 and the GPSantenna 526 can be electrically coupled to the portable electronicdevice 508 via the connector 514.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband 600according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband 600 includes acentral portion 602, a first band portion 604, and a second band portion606. The central band portion 602 includes a receptacle area thatremovably retains a mobile electronic device 608. As one example, themobile electronic device 608 can pertain to a highly portable mediaplayer, such as an iPod™ (e.g., iPod Nano™) available from Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif. The central portion 602 can also include one or moreelectrical components. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the centralportion 602 can include a printed circuit substrate 610, a haptic device612 and a battery 614. The printed circuit substrate 610 can, forexample, be a flex circuit, rigid flex, or a Printed Circuit Board(PCB). The haptic device 612 can be a vibrator, a piezo-electric device,or other device providing a user sensible condition. The battery 614 canbe rechargeable and can be used to power the electronic wristband 600and possibly also to charge of battery within the mobile electronicdevice 608. In this embodiment, the printed circuit substrate 610, thehaptic device 612 and the battery 614 are provided in a bottom region615 of the central portion 602. Alternatively or additionally, thecentral portion 602 can include any of a variety of other electroniccomponents.

The receptacle area can be configured to retain the mobile electronicdevice 608 that has been placed within the receptacle area. In oneembodiment, a connector 616 can be used to at least partially retain themobile electronic device 608 in the receptacle area. The connector 616can be an electrical connector that fits within a connector jack of themobile electronic device. The connector 616 can be an electricalconnector, such as a 30-pin connector, which can not only providemechanical retention but also electrical connection with one or more ofelectrical components provided by the electronic wristband 600.

The first band portion 604 can couple to the central portion 602 via ahinge 618. Similarly, the second band portion 606 can couple to thecentral portion 602 via a hinge 620. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the first and second band portions 604 and 606 can couple tothe central portion 602 without use of any hinges. In any case, thefirst band portion 604 can include a Bluetooth antenna 624 and anear-field antenna 622. The Bluetooth antenna 624 and the near-fieldantenna 622 can be electrically coupled to the portable electronicdevice 608 via the connector 616. The first band portion 604 can alsoinclude an audio port 626 for receiving an audio jack plug. The audioport 626 can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device608 via the connector 616. The second band portion 606 can include anaccelerometer 628 and a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna 630. Theaccelerometer 628 and the GPS antenna 630 can be electrically coupled tothe portable electronic device 608 via the connector 616.

In one embodiment, an electronic wristband can integrally includeelectrical components to provide all its supported functionality andthus does not receive, couple to or need electronic components of aportable electronic device. In this embodiment, unlike FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5,6 and 7, the electronic wristband does not include a receptacle forreceiving a portable electronic device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband 700according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband 700 integrates allof the electrical components it requires and thus does not receive aseparate portable electronic device. The electronic wristband 700includes a central portion 702, a first band portion 704, and a secondband portion 706. The central band portion 702 can include one or moreelectrical components. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the centralportion 702 can include a display screen 708, which may be a touchscreen, a printed circuit substrate 710 having electronic circuitry, ahaptic device 712 and a battery 714. In this embodiment, the printedcircuit substrate 710, the haptic device 712 and the battery 714 areprovided at least partially within the central portion 702.Alternatively or additionally, the central portion 702 can include anyof a variety of other electronic components.

The first band portion 704 can couple to the central portion 702 via ahinge 716. Similarly, the second band portion 706 can couple to thecentral portion 702 via a hinge 718. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the first and second band portions 704 and 706 can couple tothe central portion 702 without use of any hinges. In any case, thefirst band portion 704 can include a Bluetooth antenna 720 and anear-field antenna 722. The Bluetooth antenna 720 and the near-fieldantenna 722 can be electrically coupled to the electronic components inthe central portion 702 and/or the second band portion 706. The firstband portion 704 can also include an audio port 724 for receiving anaudio jack plug. The audio port 724 can be electrically coupled to theelectronic components in the central portion 702 and/or the second bandportion 706. The second band portion 706 can include an accelerometer726 and a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna 728. The accelerometer726 and the GPS antenna 728 can be electrically coupled to electroniccomponents in the central portion 702 and/or the second band portion706.

In the various embodiment discussed herein, the electronic wristband caninclude a haptic device. As examples, the haptic device can be avibrator device or a piezo-electric device. The haptic device canproduce a vibration that is capable of being sensed by the user. Sincethe haptic device can be positioned in the electronic wristband, it ispositioned proximate to the user's wrist. As a result, only minimalvibration is needed to be adequately sensed by a user. Advantageously,in some embodiments, the vibration can be non-audible to nearby personsand only detectable by the user. As another advantage, by providing thehaptic device proximate to the user's wrist, it is unlikely that a userwould miss a notification because of not sensing the vibration.

In the various embodiment discussed herein, the electronic wristbandcan, for example, extend Input/Output (I/O) of a portable electronicdevice by providing visual indicators, display, audio, tactile, haptics,buttons, switches, detectors, touch pads, navigation pads, joysticks,keys, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic components canbe associated with one or more sensors, such as accelerometers, location(e.g., GPS), proximity, biometric, force and/or the like that extend thecapabilities of the electronic wristband or its associated portableelectronic device. The electronic components as described herein canalso include electronic subassemblies which are a multi-part electroniccomponent. Examples of multi-part electronic components include anelectronic circuit, integrated circuit, or substrate (e.g., PCB, flexcircuit).

In the various embodiment discussed herein, the electronic wristbandcan, for example, be formed by molding techniques. Molding allowselectronic components to be embedded in portions of the electronicwristband. Molding also allows a desired shape of the electronicwristband to be formed. Various molding techniques include compressionmolding, transfer molding, injection molding, and the like. Sometechniques that may be useful to integrate electronics into the moldedpart include insert molding and/or double shot injection molding. In oneembodiment, electrical components (as well as other structures) may besuspended within a mold, and the material may be allowed to be placedaround it such that the electrical components are at least partially andpossibly fully embedded within the portion of the electronic wristband.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method implemented in an electronicwristband wearable on a wrist of a user. The method 800 includes, inoperation 810, receiving, at the electronic wristband, a notificationrequest. The method 800 further includes, in operation 820, generating,by the electronic wristband, a user notification responsive to thenotification request. The method 800 further includes, in operation 830,detecting, by the electronic wristband, an arm or wrist gestureperformed by the user. The method 800 further includes, in operation840, based on the user notification, the arm or wrist gesture, and apredetermined gesture, interpreting the arm or wrist gesture as a userinput responsive to the user notification.

Another aspect of embodiment of the invention pertains to use ofgestures with one's arm or wrist to provide a user input to anelectronic wristband. For example, once a notification request isreceived at an electronic wristband, the electronic wristband can notifyits user. The electronic wristband can also seek a response to thenotification. In one embodiment, the electronic wristband can monitorone or more sensors to detect a user gesture with the user's arm orwrist. For example, the sensors can include an accelerometer and/orgyroscope. Typically, the sensors are digital sensors. The gesture cancorrespond to specific movements of a user's wrist or arm can vary withimplementation. For example, the gesture might be a horizontal movementfor one user input option (e.g., decline incoming call), and might be avertical movement for another user input option (e.g., accept incomingcall). For example, the gesture might be a single shake (or bounce, tap,etc.) of the user's wrist for one user input option (e.g., acceptincoming call), and might be a pair of shakes (or bounces, taps, etc.)for another user input option (e.g., decline incoming call).

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of theinvention can be used separately or in any combination.

The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments orimplementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the followingadvantages. One advantage of certain embodiments of the invention isthat an electronic wristband having one or more electronic componentsembedded therein can serve to extend or augment capabilities of aportable electronic device. Another advantage of certain embodiments ofthe invention is that an electronic wristband can be removably securedto the electronic wristband to electrically couple to the one or moreelectronic components embedded in the electronic wristband. Stillanother advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that anelectronic wristband can communicate with other nearby computing devicesto provide information directly to a user via the electronic wristband.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the inventionshould not be limited to the exact construction and operation asillustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist ofa user, the electronic wristband comprising: a retention portionconfigured to releasably retain a mobile electronic device, the mobileelectronic device comprising a touch-sensitive display for receiving atouch input from the user and providing a visual output to the user; afirst band portion for extending from a first side of the mobileelectronic device to secure the mobile electronic device to the wrist ofthe user, the first band portion comprising a first antenna wirelesslycoupled to the mobile electronic device; and a second band portion forextending from a second side of the mobile electronic device to securethe mobile electronic device to the wrist of the user, the second bandportion comprising a second antenna wirelessly coupled to the mobileelectronic device.
 2. The electronic wristband of claim 1, wherein eachof the first antenna and the second antenna is a Bluetooth antenna ornear-field antenna.
 3. The electronic wristband of claim 1, wherein thefirst antenna or the second antenna is a Global Positioning System (GPS)antenna.
 4. The electronic wristband of claim 1, wherein the firstantenna is embedded within the first band portion and the second antennais embedded within the second band portion.
 5. The electronic wristbandof claim 1, wherein the retention portion forms a receptacle area forreceiving the mobile electronic device.
 6. The electronic wristband ofclaim 5, wherein: the first band portion extends from a first side ofthe retention portion; and the second band portion extends from a secondside of the retention portion.
 7. The electronic wristband of claim 1,further comprising a central portion connecting the first band portionand the second band portion to the retention portion.
 8. The electronicwristband of claim 1, further comprising an electrical connectorpositioned at the retention portion to electrically connect to themobile electronic device.
 9. An electronic wristband to be worn on awrist of a user, the electronic wristband comprising: a retentionportion configured to releasably retain a mobile electronic device, themobile electronic device comprising a touch-sensitive display forreceiving a touch input from the user and providing a visual output tothe user, the mobile electronic device being independently useable apartfrom the electronic wristband to perform a first set of functions; aband portion extending from the retention portion to secure the mobileelectronic device to the wrist of the user, the band portion comprisingan antenna wirelessly coupled to the mobile electronic device; andwherein the mobile electronic device, when coupled to the electronicwristband, is operable to perform a second set of functions, the secondset of functions comprising the first set of functions and communicatingwith the antenna of the band portion.
 10. The electronic wristband ofclaim 9, wherein the antenna is a Bluetooth antenna or near-fieldantenna.
 11. The electronic wristband of claim 9, wherein the antenna isa Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna.
 12. The electronic wristbandof claim 9, wherein the antenna is embedded within the band portion. 13.The electronic wristband of claim 9, wherein the retention portion formsa receptacle area for receiving the mobile electronic device.
 14. Theelectronic wristband of claim 9, wherein: the band portion is a firstband portion; and the electronic wristband comprises a second bandportion extending from the retention portion.
 15. The electronicwristband of claim 14, wherein the second band portion comprises anadditional antenna.
 16. The electronic wristband of claim 9, furthercomprising an electrical connector positioned at the retention portionto electrically connect to the mobile electronic device.
 17. Anelectronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, the electronicwristband comprising: a retention portion configured to releasablyretain a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device beingindependently useable apart from the electronic wristband to perform aset of functions and comprising: a display; and an audio output device;an electrical connector positioned at the retention portion toelectrically connect to the mobile electronic device; a band portionextending from the retention portion for securing the mobile electronicdevice to the wrist of the user; and a battery that is operativelyconnected to the mobile electronic device via the electrical connectorwhen the mobile electronic device is retained by the retention portion.18. The electronic wristband of claim 17, wherein the band portioncomprises: a first band portion extending from a first side of theretention portion; and a second band portion extending from a secondside of the retention portion.
 19. The electronic wristband of claim 18,further comprising a central portion connecting the first band portionand the second band portion to the retention portion.
 20. The electronicwristband of claim 17, wherein the band portion comprises antennawirelessly coupled to the mobile electronic device